Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey & Moss Landing

Moss Landing is a small fishing town on the Central Coast about an 1 1/2 hr. from Santa Cruz.  We stayed at another KOA (Kampgrounds of America) site.  What is special about this place are a few things: the seals/sea lions that congregate here certain times of year, also the playful sea otters that forage then slumber close-by.  The RV site itself wasn't much to speak of - and some aren't (it's RV end-to-end, side-by-side, packed in) but being by another marina was nice and we even got invited to sail for the day on a huge catamaran from two Brothers who were meeting each other - one from Portland & the other from San Diego.  The locals are nice.  The main attraction is Phil's Seafood & Fishmarket!  We've been eating a lot of seafood as you can imagine, and this restaurant literally draws people from around the world.  (See pic below) It's an order-at-the-counter style place like many high-volume establishments, and within 15 - 20 min. of opening on a Thursday @ lunch (in the Summer granted) the line was easily 60 ppl deep.  It's one of those restaurants where every single thing on the menu looks like the best meal you will ever eat!!!  Charles and I shared the New England Clam Chowder in a sourdough bowl and their signature dish Cioppino.  We've gotta say it was a great value - loaded with seafood, more than enough to feed 2 people with a single portion-- it was pure seafood goodness!  2 days later we had lunch there again and ordered the exact same thing, this is why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W5S0_R7CEY
The surrounding farmland, in particular the artichoke & strawberry farms are another signature attraction of the area.  The farm stands with local, shared produce were as big as convenient stores.  We spent the 4th of July here and also our wedding anniversary.  Moss Landing isn't too far from Carmel-by-the-Sea & Pebble Beach Golf course where we had a wonderful ocean-view dinner at Roy's. We started with glass of Verve di Cliquot Champagne and a lobster sushi roll and the dinner got better from there. We finished with dessert & cappuccino which we hardly do and took a table-side pic to commemorate the evening.  Spending the past 18 yrs. married to Charles, has been the greatest pleasure and adventure.

We weren't able to watch much of a fireworks show for the 4th because Blu is terribly bothered by the fireworks but we walked down to the beach and witnessed a beautiful, long sunset with the kids. 

We spent the next day at Monterey for lunch on the Fisherman’s Wharf where Charles could not get enough of the clam chowder!  We ended our time in the area with a long bike ride through the Eucalyptus trees and beachfront.  It was a strenuous ride up a gradual path along the sand dunes but the weather is very windy and very cool.  I miss my hot yoga!